exhaust brake

[John]

I have an exhaust brake on my 'Birds CAT 3208NA and it does help some,
but not as well in comparison with the same unit on a CUMMINS, the
reason why is the back pressure that the CAT creates is at the most 28
pounds, compared to more than twice that amount on a Cummins, but it
still is better than nothing and I like mine, but if you are looking
for comparatively the same performance as other engine manufacturers
exhaust brakes or JAKE brakes or drive-line retarders, etc., you will
be greatly disappointed, so save your money.

I got mine off of eBay and it was brand new, but not needed by the
seller and was for a Cummins, I got it for about a third of the price
of a new one, so I'm happy with it's performance. I had to get it
modified a little in order to get it to work and it activates in the
fully closed position, by a switch on the shifter column and a
microswitch on the throttle.

I find it very useful for slowing the 'Bird down when coming into
towns with a posted slower speed limit, if I activate it at 60 mph,
when the slower speed limit ahead sign is at, it is usually slowed
down at the point of the actual lower posted 35 mph speed limit. I use
it while coming down steep grades, but it will not hold the speed of
the 'Bird down like a JAKE brake does, but it still helps save some
braking with the service brakes.


"REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001"
John Finn
'82 35FCRB
BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
TO VISIT THE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" REMODELING ADVENTURE
GO TO;
http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
'66 SUPERIOR / IH 392 GAS V8 32' PUSHER "FOR SALE"
SEE THE OLD COACH AT:
http://www.pbase.com/image/26052733
HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA

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--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
wrote:
>
> Ernie: My Bounder has hurt feelings ! Twice the weight! I think my
39
> ft. Bounder hs a GVW of 28,000 vs. 35,000 for the BB. There are
lots
> of havy motor homes with exhaust brakes that work well. Must be
> something to do with the 3208 Cat.
>
> Bruce 1988 FC35
>